蜇 (zhē) - to sting & to bite (of insects, jellyfish, etc.)

蜇Tone 1

zhē ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

丈志

蜇 · zhē

to sting;

to bite (of insects, jellyfish, etc.

);

to cause sharp pain or irritation.

to stingto bite (of insects, jellyfish, etc.)to cause sharp pain or irritation.

Usage highlights

bee stingjellyfish stingscorpion stingstinging painsting and bitesting wound

Synonyms

  • 叮— to sting or bite (often by mosquitoes, smaller insects)
  • 刺— to prick, stab, or irritate (broader, can be by plants, objects)

Antonyms

  • 抚— to caress, soothe (opposite of causing sharp pain)
  • 慰— to comfort, console (opposite of causing irritation)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The bee stung me (蜜蜂蜇了我).
  • Be careful of jellyfish stings (小心水母蜇伤).
  • This plant can cause a stinging sensation (这种植物会蜇人).
  • He was stung by a scorpion (他被蝎子蜇了).

Collocations

  • bee sting(蜜蜂蜇)
  • jellyfish sting(水母蜇)
  • scorpion sting(蝎子蜇)
  • stinging pain(蜇痛)
  • sting and bite(蜇咬)
  • sting wound(蜇伤)

Idioms

  • Like a tiger adding wings — with double the power(如虎添翼)
  • No specific common idiom primarily features 蜇 in its core meaning.

Cultural background

FAQ
  • 蜇 is associated with the defensive mechanisms of various creatures in nature, particularly insects and marine animals.
  • In traditional Chinese medicine, some 'stinging' substances might be used in small, controlled amounts for therapeutic purposes.
  • The character reflects an understanding of natural hazards and the need for caution when interacting with certain animals or plants.

FAQ